Sims trying to show worth as NFL quarterback

Blake Sims fit multiple roles during his five years at Alabama.

He was a running back, then the backup quarterback before winning the starting job last fall. As a senior, Sims completed 64.5 percent of his passes for 3,487 yards, 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He helped lead the Crimson Tide to a 12-2 record, an SEC championship and a berth in the first college football playoff.

Sims played quarterback well enough in college for his team to win, but there's no guarantee he can transition to the NFL. For one, he's only 5-foot-11. He's built like a running back, has the speed to play running back (4.57-second dash), but wants to be a quarterback.

Some NFL teams considered Sims more fit for another position. This week, Sims tried to show he can play the game's premier position during a tryout at the Green Bay Packers' rookie minicamp.

"Blake did some nice things today," McCarthy said. "He made some throws. Definitely an understand from Day 1 to Day 2, he increased there. He's instinctive, has a bounce in his step. I thought he did some nice things today."

The Packers have 25 tryout players – counting Sims – and room on their current roster to sign two. They can also cut from their current roster to add more space, if general manager Ted Thompson decides there are more than two tryout players worth signing.

Those decisions will be made over the weekend.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy didn't erase the possibility of Sims staying with the Packers and moving from quarterback.

"That's something that's been thrown around," McCarthy said. "The evaluation process doesn't end today, but it's nice to have video. We did some post-practice work with guys we may want to look at different positions. We did a lot more open-space drill work and tried to put these guys in football drills to make sure the personnel department is getting everything they need."

-- rwood@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @ByRyanwood